Unearthing The Metal Underground: The Indian Metal Scene

Each week in "Unearthing the Metal Underground," we'll be putting a few quality underground bands in the spotlight in an attempt to get the word out about them. This week I am exploring the Indian metal scene, introducing three bands spanning various metal sub-genres.

Although most foreigners are initially exposed to all the Bollywood hype of the second most populous country in the world, behind the rich and somewhat conservative culture and monolithic economy traits lies a massive subculture striving to make an identity of their own for the sole purpose of making their mark on the world of heavy metal. The scene is of course and without a doubt considered immense, as opposed to where I hail from (Sri Lanka), considering the fact that some of the biggest names in heavy metal have been stopping in India for a gig or tour for the past few years. And not forgetting the amount of record/distribution labels and promoters that strive to thrust the scene forward, India will certainly, in time to come, be held responsible for making a unique mark of their own in the history of one of the world’s most largest and evolved sub cultures.

Amogh Symphony

To start off with today’s unearthing, I chose a technical death metal outfit which goes by the name of Amogh Symphony, who’ve been stirring up the scene in Mumbai as of late with the release of their debut album, “Abolishing the Obsolete System.” The brain-child of solo musician Vishal J. Singh, the band was conceived in 2003 and now has two commendable releases under their belt. Amogh Symphony incorporates a hybrid of progressive, symphonic, death metal with a nod towards Indian classical tunes and Jazz fusion.

For more information regarding the man’s work, do pay a visit to his Facebook Fan Page and check out his music on his official Myspace Page.

Myndsnare

Next, from Bangalore, another progressive/thrash/death metal outfit that goes by the name of Myndsnare. The three-piece outfit was formed back in 2000 with Yasmin Claire on drums, Sandesh on bass and KP on guitar. Having released a couple of demos and a brilliant, well acclaimed debut release titled "Condition: Human," drummeress Yasmin was diagnosed with an issue regarding her discs in her lower back in 2007. Nonetheless, they pushed on towards the release of a great album which was received very well from the local fan base and also internationally. Right after their last gig in August 2009, the band went into hiatus, owing to the departure of all three members to the United States for further studies at the Musicians Institute in LA.

Kryptos

Finally, a great project that I’ve been listening to, as of late, is Kryptos. Also from Bangalore, the band formed back in 1998, and influenced by greats such as Coroner, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Kreator and Nevermore, Kryptos is widely regarded as one of the top most respected bands to spearhead the scene in India, along with projects such as Demonic Ressurection and Sledge. Having two albums, “Spiral Ascent” in 2004 and “The Ark of Gemini” in 2008 under their belts, the band managed to sign on to California based label, Old School Metal Records back in 2006. Those who are familiar with Sam Dunn’s “Global Metal,” would’ve caught the brief interview with the front man of the band, Nolan Lewis, outside the Palace Grounds in which after a few hours, Iron Maiden managed to rip apart.

These three bands are some of the best metal bands the country has managed to produce, along with bands such as Demonic Resurrection, Devoid, 3rd Sovereign, Bhayanak Maut, Rat King, Eccentric Pendulum, Extinct Reflections, Metakix, Narsil, Reptilian Death and Exhumation, who hail from various parts of this massive nation and who have successfully managed to create something exquisite and exotic, further proving the fact that there still exists virgin territory when it comes to exploring and pushing boundaries of heavy metal.

Watever u guys say abt th music scene .. its slowly and surely improving a hell lot... man going to a rock concert was such a pain in the a$$ earlier as they used to be at the most unknown locations.. but now a lot of awesome spots are holding some aawesome gigs \m/